Marvin James, senior advisor for Baltimore Office of the Mayor, joins Martin-Lauer Associates

By D. Kevin McNeir 
Special to the AFRO

Marvin James, who previously served as chief of staff for Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott and currently serves as a senior advisor, announced July 1 that he has accepted a position as an equity partner with Baltimore-based firm Martin-Lauer Associates. 

In an exclusive interview with the AFRO, James, 38, a Baltimore native, spoke with optimism about his future while also reflecting on his seven years of service in city government. 

“Martin-Lauer is one of the preeminent political consulting and fundraising firms in the country and I’m excited to take the skills I have acquired in my years with the City of Baltimore to my new position,” said James, who added that he first began to contemplate a transition to the private sector in April. 

Since being founded in 1991 by Colleen Martin-Lauer, the firm has established a reputation for helping to elect numerous Democrats in Maryland while also providing fundraising and compliance services to non-profit organizations.

James said he’s confident that his business acumen will serve him well in his new role. 

“Throughout my professional career, I have routinely interacted with elected officials, their respective communities, and those who support them and their platforms,” James said. “Not only will I take those relationships which I have forged with me, but I also bring an understanding of how to provide actual strategies for those vested in politics.”

“The people who support Mayor Scott are all about doing the right thing and standing up for those in our community who are often unheard and ignored,” James said. “But when you support people like that, power structures become upset. In my opinion, it’s that simple.”

James said he believes recent attacks against him are part of an ongoing agenda to discredit the mayor and his achievements. 

“There are those in Baltimore who want to change the public’s perception about the Mayor, especially when it comes to how he has found innovative ways to reduce crime and improve public safety,” James said. “Mayor Scott made an early commitment to securing a relationship with organizations known for their ability to hit the streets and to effectively communicate with those who the establishment would rather ignore. True to his word, the Mayor has invested in those organizations.”

“In my seven years being connected with the Mayor, I have never responded to any accusation from any entity,” James said. “I have always remained focused and determined to ensure that the work I’ve been asked to do on behalf of the citizens of Baltimore City gets done.”

The AFRO reached out to the Baltimore City Office of the Inspector General (BCOIG) and asked if they were mounting any investigations into allegations or concerns about Marvin James. 

Matt Neil, Deputy Inspector General BCOIG, said, “as part of our standard process, our office neither confirms nor denies the existence of investigations.” 

James said he remains supportive of the Mayor’s agenda as well as his goal to have zero murders occur in Baltimore City. 

Mayor Scott expressed his appreciation for the work done by James while working for the City. 

“There will always be different ideas on the best way to execute any policy agenda,” James said. “But it’s pretty clear that not only did the mayor significantly bet on the Community Violence Interruption organization, but that his decision is paying off.” 

“I am deeply proud of Marvin and excited for this next chapter in his work on behalf of our city, our state, and our country. Throughout his time in city government, he has been a tireless advocate for our city and the vision we laid out when I first told him I wanted to run for Mayor,” said Scott, in a statement sent to the AFRO. “He has been at the forefront of every historic success, every emergency response, and every challenging moment of this administration, offering his insightful perspective and relentless energy. While we will deeply miss him in city government, his impact will be felt for years to come in City Hall, and I know that I will continue to be able to count on him to fight for Baltimore no matter where this new role takes him.” 

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